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All 2 Independence Attractions »

Eastern California Museum

155 North Grant Street, Independence, CA 93526
760-878-0258
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4.5 of 5 stars 8 Reviews
Type: History Museums, Museums
Owner description: Museum featuring the diverse natural and cultural heritage of Inyo County and the Owens Valley.More than 400 Native American Baskets, exhibits on...... more » Owner description: Museum featuring the diverse natural and cultural heritage of Inyo County and the Owens Valley.More than 400 Native American Baskets, exhibits on Manzanar, Pioneering Climber Norman Clyde, the Los Angeles Aqueduct, plus a bookstore. « less
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8 reviews from our community

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Death Valley, CA
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 6, 2012

Wonderful Native basketry. Manzanar exhibit is compelling and thought provoking. Too much to see in just one visit. More

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See 2 more reviews by Death_Valley_Gal for Independence
Ridgecrest, California
Senior Contributor
33 reviews 33 reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed December 29, 2011

Go just to see the Native American baskets. This is a nice museum to visit. Drive around Independence and see a rather unspoiled town. It is a nice collection if not totally organized but worth it on your way to Bishop. More

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Minden, Nevada
Top Contributor
65 reviews 65 reviews
Reviews in 23 cities Reviews in 23 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed December 21, 2011

Nice museum which shows good examples of the Owens Valley area. Good mining history, and Manzanar displays. A lot of interesting artifacts outside with a nice nature hiking trail! More

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See 6 more reviews by NevadaHudson for Independence
Las Vegas, Nevada
Top Contributor
51 reviews 51 reviews
Reviews in 28 cities Reviews in 28 cities
24 helpful votes 24 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed November 14, 2011
1
person found this review helpful

This small unimposing museum has an incredible collection of Paiute basketry and Indian photos. There is also an extensive collection of photos from Manzanar. The building is too small to adequately display it all, nevertheless, it is worth the trip. The director could not have been more courteous, informative, and helpful. You could easily spend hours here. More

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Glendale, California
Senior Contributor
45 reviews 45 reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
23 helpful votes 23 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed September 11, 2011

From the moment one steps into the Eastern California Museum, one is captured by the richness of its exhibits. I didn't know whether to turn right or left. I turned to the left and was rewarded with a room full of Paiute and Shoshone artifacts. The handmade baskets and clothing were beautifully crafted works of art. The variety of shapes,... More

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See 3 more reviews by tbmegowan for Independence
Somerville, Massachusetts
2 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed August 13, 2011

We enjoyed a few hours at the museum. There were 4 or 5 different exhibits at the time, including photos, a local interest story, artifacts and a cool music box that works. There's not too much to do in Independence, but this was a great way to spend the afternoon! More

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Los Angeles, California
Top Contributor
60 reviews 60 reviews
Reviews in 31 cities Reviews in 31 cities
127 helpful votes 127 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed July 13, 2010
1
person found this review helpful

The Eastern California Museum is a treasure trove of local history and artifacts. The Manzanar collection is a must see before visiting the site. One of my favorite pioneer artifacts, which shows great ingenuity and determination , is a set of Dentures made from melted down red toothbrush handles and embedded with Coyote teeth. You simply must see to appreciate... More

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Bishop, CA
1 review
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed January 17, 2007
4
people found this review helpful

While my wife attended to some business with the county, I wandered into the ECM, more as a general curiosity than to delve into the History of Inyo County. Independence cannot be described as a hotbed of activity - I doubt there is over 1000 residents, but the museum was quality. I was pleasantly surprised! While the museum was decidedly... More

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